More importantly, do they still allow local development or you're now depending on the "cloud" ?

It's an 8-bit microcontroller programmed directly with a suite of open-source software.

It doesn't need to do anything with "the cloud".

They've been adding lots of stuff to the microcontroller for a long time.

https://store.arduino.cc/products/uno-q

"- All-in-one toolbox: Arduino UNO Q combines the powerful Qualcomm® Dragonwing™ QRB2210 microprocessor (MPU) with a real-time STM32U585 microcontroller (MCU) – no matter what you’re building, it’s your new go-to tool! - AI in a blink: unlock AI-powered vision and sound solutions that react to their environment."

Okay, so if you want to use a microprocessor that isn't targetted by an open-source compiler and assembler, you're going to have to use proprietary stuff.

You can just not buy their product.

Wait, does the IDE no longer work with cloud/account?/etc.?

I have a old Arduino UNO R3, would be a really disappointing if I could no longer play around with it by just downloading the IDE and connecting the cables.